Abstract: A shallow vessel (50,52) for being horizontally disposed when containing a molten metal or metal alloy (66) for meniscus coating one side of a clean metal strip (34A) when the strip is moved vertically past one side of the vessel. The vessel includes a shell (68) such as austenitic stainless steel, a refractory lining (70), a molten metal departure lip (72) mounted on the upper surface of the side of the vessel, a spirally shaped induction coil (64) for maintaining the molten metal above its melting point and a flux concentrator (74). The induction coil is positioned below the refractory lining and the flux concentrator is positioned below the induction coil. The induction coil and the flux concentrator underlie the area occupied by the molten metal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for meniscus coating one or two sides of steel strip with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes a horizontally disposed coating tray for containing molten coating metal, gas heaters for maintaining the temperature of the coating metal above the melting point of the coating metal, stabilizing rollers for moving steel strip transversely past a departure lip positioned on one side of the coating tray and adding solid or molten metal to the coating tray for maintaining the level of the coating metal in the coating tray relative to the upper elevation of the departure lip so that an uninterrupted flow of the coating metal can be delivered over the departure lip to a surface of the strip. The coating tray may be rotatably mounted for adjusting the level of molten metal in the coating tray. The coating tray also may include a sled for lateral displacement for positioning the departure lip a predetermined distance away from the strip.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for meniscus coating one or two sides of steel strip with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes a horizontally disposed coating tray for containing molten coating metal, means for maintaining the temperature of the coating metal above the melting point of the coating metal, means for moving steel strip transversely past a departure lip positioned on one side of the coating tray and means for maintaining the level of the coating metal in the coating tray relative to the upper elevation of the departure lip so that an uninterrupted flow of the coating metal can be delivered over the departure lip to a surface of the strip. The coating tray may be rotatably mounted for adjusting the level of molten metal in the coating tray. The coating tray also may include means for lateral displacement for positioning the departure lip a predetermined distance away from the strip.

Abstract: A shallow vessel (50,52) for being horizontally disposed when containing a molten metal or metal alloy (66) for meniscus coating one side of a clean metal strip (34A) when the strip is moved vertically past one side of the vessel. The vessel includes a shell (68) such as austenitic stainless steel, a refractory lining (70), a molten metal departure lip (72) mounted on the upper surface of the side of the vessel, a spirally shaped induction coil (64) for maintaining the molten metal above its melting point and a flux concentrator (74). The induction coil is positioned below the refractory lining and the flux concentrator is positioned below the induction coil. The induction coil and the flux concentrator underlie the area occupied by the molten metal.

Abstract: A finishing method and apparatus for use in conventional hot-dip coating of the type wherein a ferrous base metal strip, having been appropriately pretreated so as to be at or near the proper coating temperature and so as to have its surfaces free of oxides, is cause to pass beneath the surface of a bath of molten coating metal, exiting the bath between conventional finishing rolls. The method comprises the steps of providing an enclosure which overlies at least the coating metal meniscus areas created between the finishing rolls and the strip, and maintaining within the enclosure an inert or non-oxidizing atmosphere to shroud the meniscus areas. The apparatus comprises the above mentioned enclosure with an appropriate system to provide and maintain the inert or non-oxidizing atmosphere therein.

Abstract: A finishing method and apparatus for conventional continuous hot-dip coating of the type wherein a ferrous base metal strip is caused to pass beneath the surface of a coating bath of molten coating metal and is thereafter subjected to jet finishing, the ferrous base metal strip having been appropriately pretreated so as to be at the proper coating temperature and so as to have its surfaces oxide-free when passing through the bath of molten coating metal. The method comprises the steps of providing an enclosure for the two-side coated strip as it exits the coating bath, locating a finishing jet nozzle to either side of the coated strip within the enclosure, jet finishing the coated strip with a non-oxidizing or inert gas. The apparatus comprises the above mentioned enclosure with the jet finishing nozzles located therein and an appropriate system to provide a non-oxidizing or inert atmosphere within the enclosure.

Abstract: A method, and an apparatus for practicing the method, for producing heavy pure aluminum coatings on small diameter steel tubing are disclosed. The coating has an average thickness of 0.004 inch to 0.008 inch (100-200 .mu.m), to provide outstanding resistance to corrosion, and to maintain integrity in the face of abrasive action, and with coating ductility and adherence sufficient to permit double flaring. The method and apparatus are highly useful in the manufacture of Bundyweld tubing for automotive brake lines, and single wall tubing for refrigeration or air conditioner heat exchangers. Various surface preparations are disclosed; and after surface preparation the tube is uniformly heated to a carefully regulated peak temperature in a non-oxidizing high intensity direct fired furnace, followed by passing the tube vertically upward through a shallow pool of molten aluminum, whereby to cast on a thick coating, followed by "free exit" finishing, air quenching, and, if desired, redrawing.

Abstract: Application of a graphite film to at least the first roll contacted by a metal strip to which a coating metal has been applied. The roll may be scraped clean and the graphite film applied immediately after scraping. The graphite film may be applied by wiping the roll with a solid graphite block or by wiping the roll with a graphite colloidal suspension in a suitable carrier. In the latter event, the roll temperature must be high enough to vaporize the carrier so that strip contamination is avoided. The graphite film prevents adherence of coating metal particles to the roll surface whereby damage to the coated surface on the metal strip is prevented.